There are many benefits to obtaining a non stress test during your pregnancy. If you have some concern that your unborn child may have an abnormality where the heart or lungs are weak then a non stress test can be taken. If the results of this test are positive then your baby's position and development are most likely normal. However if they are negative then you may want to think about the possibility of some abnormality. It is very important to let your doctor know if the readings on the beta wave or the other forms of monitors that are used to indicate that something is wrong.
During a non stress test you will be instructed to track the heart beat of your baby naturally and then compare it to the rhythm of your own heart. After taking the measurements you will be asked questions about your feelings. This is important because you will be able to know whether your baby is getting enough sleep and if their heart rate is increasing. You should also inquire about how long the contractions feel like on each beat. At this time the nurse will ask you some questions about your health and any past problems with contractions such as asthma or recurrent cravings for food.
After the nurse has finished asking questions and your contractions have stopped, you will be asked to sit down and keep yourself comfortable. You will then be asked to lay back on a table in a chair. While you are lying there, you will be monitored via a machine to watch your heart beat, scalp temperature and your contractions. When you start to feel uncomfortable then you will need to adjust your position and try again. Keep in mind that these types of tests are not done every morning so you may not have an appointment until a couple of weeks later.
A possible sign of fetal distress could be: low fetal heart rate, lightheadedness, fatigue, poor appetite, delayed sleep, irritability, depression or anxiety. Another sign that your baby might be having a problem would be: early contractions that are weak, early discharge of milk at night and delayed development of the eyelid. Early discharge of milk at night is very common for first time mothers. Delayed development of the eyelid is also another possible sign of fetal distress.
After the nurse checks for fetal distress and any other possible problems during your prenatal visit they will perform a cardiac stress test called the Cardiac Stress Test. During this test they will measure your heart rate, pulse and respiration rates as well as their ability to relax. These tests will help your doctor to determine if there is something wrong with your pregnancy. If a problem is found they can make any adjustments they need to your prenatal care.
The last type of test that is performed during your postpartum visit is a non stress test called the Magnesium Sulfate Non-stress test. This test measures the levels of magnesium sulfate in the blood. Magnesium sulfate is known to be a muscle relaxant. It is believed that during the early part of a contraction in the body releases high amounts of magnesium sulfate into the blood stream to reduce the muscle contractions of the uterus.
You can find these types of tests at most medical facilities during your postpartum check up. During your appointment and immediately after delivery you can have your blood work drawn. Then it is sent to a laboratory. Many women are worried about their early pregnancy because of possible stress that their bodies may be experiencing, which is why the non stress test pregnancy testing is so important.